Vision facilitation apparatus and method

Abstract

Apparatus for facilitating and improving vision, and specifically reading or near vision. The apparatus is configured for facilitating vision from one eye of a user. The apparatus includes a lens coupled to a holding mechanism. The lens is formed of a size, shape and power that improves a substantially complete area of vision from the one eye when provided close to the one eye. The holding mechanism includes a first portion adapted to be coupled to or to hold the lens. The holding mechanism includes a second portion that is adapted for being held between two fingers of the user. The holding mechanism second portion can be formed with an aperture, for attaching to another object. The present invention provides a convenient, small, and personal apparatus for facilitating vision in situations where such vision could be impaired.

What is claimed is:  
     
       1. An apparatus for facilitating vision of a user, comprising: 
       a lens for improving vision of the user when positioned near an eye of the user; and  
       a holding mechanism, including a first portion at least partially framing the lens and a second portion extending from the first portion for being controlled by the user to position the first portion and lens near the eye.  
     
     
       2. The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the holding mechanism second portion includes an aperture. 
     
     
       3. The apparatus of  claim 2 , further comprising a key chain, coupled to the holding mechanism second portion through the aperture. 
     
     
       4. The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the holding mechanism second portion includes a subportion having a first edge and a second edge that is longer than the first edge, and further including a first end coupled to the holding mechanism first portion and a second end defining a space between the first and second sides. 
     
     
       5. The apparatus of  claim 4 , wherein the subportion forms a trapezoid. 
     
     
       6. The apparatus of  claim 4 , wherein the subportion includes an aperture. 
     
     
       7. The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the holding mechanism first portion circumscribes the lens. 
     
     
       8. The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the lens is substantially circular. 
     
     
       9. The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the two side surfaces of the lens are substantially planar. 
     
     
       10. The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the lens has a power that is between 2.0 and 4.5 diopters. 
     
     
       11. The apparatus of  claim 10 , wherein the power is between 3.0 and 3.5 diopters. 
     
     
       12. The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the lens is formed with glass. 
     
     
       13. The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the lens is formed with plastic. 
     
     
       14. The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the lens is formed with acrylic. 
     
     
       15. The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the holding mechanism second portion is configured for being held between two fingers of the user. 
     
     
       16. A system for facilitating vision from one eye of a user, comprising: 
       a lens having two side surfaces for enhancing vision when positioned close to the eye;  
       a holding mechanism, including a first portion at least partially framing the lens and a second portion extending from the first portion in the plane of the two side surfaces, the second portion for being held between two fingers of the user and including an aperture; and  
       a container, connected to the second portion via a connector coupled through the aperture, for containing the holding mechanism and the lens.  
     
     
       17. A method of improving near or reading vision from one eye of a user, comprising: 
       providing a lens of a size, shape and power that improves a substantially complete area of vision from the one eye when positioned close to the one eye;  
       connecting a holding mechanism to the lens; and  
       forming a tab with a portion of the holding mechanism, wherein the tab is configured for being held between two fingers of the user.  
     
     
       18. The method of  claim 17 , wherein the power is between 3.0 and 3.5 diopters. 
     
     
       19. The method of  claim 17 , further comprising forming an aperture in the tab. 
     
     
       20. The method of  claim 19 , further comprising coupling a key chain through the aperture.